In this episode of The Statesman Podcast, our students retell the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—often remembered as Rack, Shack, and Benny—and their courageous stand of faith in the fiery furnace.

Through this familiar story, we are reminded of the cost and power of faithfulness. These young men chose obedience to God even when it meant facing pressure, punishment, and uncertainty. Their story teaches us that faith does not guarantee an easy path, but it does remind us that God is present with His people in the fire.

As students share this retelling, listeners are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, trust God in difficult circumstances, and remember that obedience to God is always worth it—no matter the outcome.

In this episode of The Statesman Podcast, our students retell the story of Joseph. Through their recap, we are reminded that God is at work even when circumstances seem unfair, confusing, or painful.

Joseph’s story shows us that faithfulness matters in every season—whether in success or suffering. What others meant for harm, God used for good, revealing His ability to bring purpose out of difficulty and hope out of hardship.

As students reflect on Joseph’s life, listeners are encouraged to trust God’s timing, remain faithful in unseen moments, and believe that God is still writing a greater story.

In this episode of The Statesman Podcast, some of our middle school students bring the familiar story of David and Goliath to life by retelling it in their own words.

As the students reflect on David’s trust in the Lord, we are encouraged to remember that God often works through unlikely people and ordinary moments to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

Tune in to hear how the next generation is engaging with Scripture and learning that true victory comes from relying on God, not ourselves.

In this special Christmas episode of The Statesman Podcast, we reflect on Luke 2:8–14 and the familiar story of the angels announcing Christ’s birth to the shepherds. Though the story is well known, it still calls us to transformation today.

This episode explores why God chose ordinary shepherds, what it means that Jesus is our Savior, Messiah, and Lord, and how the peace we long for is found in Christ alone. Just like the shepherds, we are invited to listen, go to Jesus, and share the good news of great joy with others.

Merry Christmas from New Hope Christian Academy. May this season call you to make room for Christ and be changed by His presence.

In this episode of The Statesman Podcast, we unpack a powerful chapel message from Pastor Jacob Barker on the life-changing importance of identity in Christ.

Too many believers live as though they are still broken, unwanted, or insignificant. But Jacob reminds us that Scripture declares something radically different: we are chosen, adopted, seated in heavenly places, ambassadors of Christ, more than conquerors, handcrafted masterpieces, and filled with the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead.

This episode challenges us to stop reinforcing the lies of the world and start speaking the truth of God’s Word over our lives. Because when we finally believe who God says we are, everything changes.

Tune in and learn how to walk confidently in your royal identity — not shaped by insecurity, but grounded in Scripture, empowered by the Spirit, and sent into the world with purpose.

In this episode of The Statesman Podcast, Pastor Joe reflects on a powerful chapel message from guest speaker Pastor Christina about true spiritual transformation.

Through the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5, Christina shows how God takes us from pride to humility, from resistance to obedience, and from brokenness to renewal. She challenges us to consider what - or who - is shaping our hearts. Are we being formed by culture, achievement, and influences around us, or are we being transformed by Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit?

Drawing from Galatians 5, Christina reminds us that real transformation is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit growing in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Becoming like Christ isn’t instant; it’s a daily surrender, a willingness to step into the “Jordan River” moments of obedience where God does His deepest work.

Tune in and be encouraged to choose transformation that lasts; the kind only Jesus can produce.

In this episode of The Statesman Podcast, Pastor Joe reflects on a stirring chapel message from Pastor Dale about breaking free from routine religion and rekindling a genuine relationship with God.

Drawing from Isaiah 6, Matthew 13, and Revelation 3, Dale warns how easily hearts can grow numb when faith becomes familiar. But through repentance, urgency, and transformation, he reminds us that God’s heart has never changed — He still longs not to hide from us, but to heal us.

This episode invites you to take an honest look at your own walk with Christ. Is your heart still soft and listening, or has comfort dulled your hunger for truth? Jesus is still knocking at the door. The choice to open it is yours.

In this episode of The Statesman Podcast, we reflect on a chapel message from Pastor Brian Sponseller about what it truly means to be a living sacrifice.

Drawing from Romans 12 and Ezekiel 36, Pastor Brian reminds us that God isn’t calling us to be consumed by the fire, but to live on fire—alive, transformed, and filled with His Spirit. To be a living sacrifice is to let our lives reflect the new heart God has given us, to desire what He desires, and to be shaped by His presence rather than the world around us.

Tune in and be encouraged to live a life that burns brightly for the glory of God—set apart, renewed, and fully alive in Christ.

In this episode of The Statesman Podcast, Pastor Joe reflects on a powerful chapel message from Guest Speaker Pastor Sawyer Harlow about the story of David and Goliath and how it points us to something greater.

We often see ourselves as David, fighting our own giants. But Sawyer reminds us that our strength doesn’t come from our own courage or skills; it comes from the One who already won the battle. Through this story, we’re invited to rest in who God made us to be, to trust His calling, and to join in the victory that Jesus has already secured.

Tune in to be reminded: you don’t have to slay your own giants; the real Giant Slayer already has.

In this episode of The Statesman Podcast, Pastor Joe shares a powerful message from guest speaker Pastor Bryanna Nadiope, who reminds us that our relationship with Jesus is a lot like keeping our devices charged; without connection, we lose power. Drawing from John 15, she challenged us to remain in Christ through prayer, Scripture, worship, and love for others. It’s a practical and heartfelt reflection on how to stay spiritually charged in a busy world.